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In only two days I’ll be back in the U.S. after three months of traveling around Europe. I realize I have so much more to share from my trip on the blog. There are so many more locations to show, so much more advice to offer and stories to tell. But given that I’ll be leaving this amazing place shortly I wanted to share some things that have been heavy on my mind with the timing. Part of me is sad to be leaving Europe, although legally I have to. Remember, only 90 days Americans are allowed to be out here! But the other part of me is looking forward to returning home.

TOP 3 Things I Will Miss About Europe

1. The Rich History & Culture

I think this is an obvious one, but it’s an inevitable one. There is so much history and depth all around you here. I love how old the buildings are and how stories of each place I’ve visited go so far back in time. The fact that I stood in on a hill where Rome as a whole began, and was inside a building that was built around 125 AD is nuts. People in Europe also are on a different time table with how they carry out their day. It feels so much more relaxed, and like people are fully enjoying each day. But I mean, how could you not with a little afternoon siesta, or drinks every night with friends in the piazza. But overall it made me feel like a lot of people in the U.S. (not all!) are ALL about work. Working long hours to buy more things they don’t really need, and to pay for bigger things they almost never fully enjoy because they’re tired from working. Personally, I’ll take quality of life over fancy things.

2. Public Transportation & Walking

I seriously don’t want to go back to driving. I love taking public transportation everywhere! Between the metro, the bus, the train, an uber or a taxi, I’ve had no problems getting around this continent. Not to mention all the walking has made me feel more in shape, and I’m sure I’ve lost a little weight too. Overall I just feel healthier, and although there are cities in the U.S. that also operate this way (think NYC, Chicago, etc), unfortunately I do not currently live in one. Plus its more than just maneuvering easily around a city in itself, but country-to-country its been pretty easy overall. Yes there have been times where I’ve been exhausted and don’t feel like walking anymore, I’ve been pissed off at the local bus for being late and making me wait for a while, and I’ve been crammed in a hot metro train. But overall I would choose to live in a city where the public transportation was commonly used by all than in a driving city any day. Unless it’s the beach… I’ll drive everywhere if I get to live near the beach for sure 🙂 Most important of all of this, is how easy it is to get around from one culture to another. I am in love with how connected and easily accessible all these incredible places are.

3. Food, Coffee and Wine

It’s a no brainer the food is fantastic out here. From tapas in Spain, to fresh pasta in Italy it’s a foodie’s dream (as long as you stay away from the tourist trap places!). But more than it being delicious, it seems much healthier overall. I will say, Atlanta is not short on some amazing restaurants and pretty much any cuisine you might be in the mood for. But there is just something special about enjoying food where it originated from. Also even the regular produce you’ll find at say little markets around town seems fresher and better than in the US… not to mention cheaper. I remember being in Barcelona with only 5 euros left and I was determined to make two healthy and delicious meals out of it. Walked across the street from my flat to this little market and boom- ingredients for not two but three yummy, healthy and filling salads. In addition to the food, the coffee is WAY better. Stephen always has said this and part of me thought he was being slightly stuck up about it. No… he’s totally right. And last but not least- its so affordable to drink wine out here. I paid 2 euros for a glass on wine on the beach in Malaga, and in most places dining out a good glass of wine is between 3-6 euros tops. Score all around.

TOP 3 Things I am Looking Forward to in the U.S.

1. Spending Time with Loved Ones

This is another obvious one! I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen a few treasured friends out in Europe along the way, had my boyfriend visit for a week in France, and have met some amazing people these past few months (shout out to my favorite Aussie and Toronto girls!). But there is nothing like sharing jokes and uncontrollable laughs with good friends and family who have been there for you through ups and downs in life. I am also SO ready to spend some quality time with my boyfriend. Only 5 months into our relationship I said ‘see ya!’ and left the country… poor guy haha. I can’t tell you how excited I am to simply cook dinner and relax on the couch with him, and to continue to build on the foundation I feel was only strengthened by surviving months apart from each other. Plus we’re heading off to Australia for 2 weeks shortly after I get back so of course I can’t wait for that!

2. Working on the Biz #Girlboss

I know, have I lost my mind?! WHO looks forward to working??? Apparently this girl. Only a short time before leaving for Europe I officially started my own company, which combined with some amazing clients of mine allowed me to travel internationally while working along the way. I am so thankful for the ability to do so, but I am mentally ready to buckle down and really build my business. This may seem slightly contradictory to what I mentioned earlier about Americans being workaholics. There really must be a balance, and the main difference I feel is I am not simply working my ass off to pay for expensive, pretty things. I am truly passionate about creating a business that’s uniquely me, and exploring other parts of the world has only inspired me in ways staying in a comfortable and familiar bubble can’t. Plus when you’re your own boss no one can tell you that you can’t have a glass of wine with lunch or that you’re out of vacation days. Apparently I’ve never quite liked being told what to do, and no mom… I am not an alcoholic. I could go on and on about this topic… but for now, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

3. Reliable Wifi and Using My Phone Like a Normal Person

Before coming to Europe I assumed I would be getting a SIM card in each place I went so I can just prepay data for it. After a few days in Spain I decided forget it… I’m going off the grid. Well, obviously not off the grid, but I have been wifi only these past three months with my phone. At times it was challenging, but I will say I’ve perfected screen-shotting directions before leaving the house, and learned if you preload the maps in Google Maps it will still follow you around town after leaving wifi. Some tips I can share later 🙂 But there were definitely difficult moments having no phone access, and almost more than that was when the wifi connection I did have wasn’t good quality. For someone who is working remotely this whole time on my computer, you can imaging the frustration this led to. Yes Italy…. I am referring to you. You and your unreliable internet. Needless to say, I am going to feel like I won the lottery being able to use my phone in the U.S. without hunting down networks and buying a drink/coffee only so I can bum their wifi to look up how to get home.

Most Importantly, this Isn’t Over

I honestly don’t see me coming back to the U.S. this weekend as an end to an incredible experience, it’s more like taking a little break. I’ve heard a lot of people say “at least you were able to get this out of your system”. For me traveling isn’t a vacation I take once or twice a year, or something to get out of my system. It’s one of my biggest passions in life, and is a huge part of why I wanted to work for myself/remotely in the first place. The ability to work across the ocean, from another state, or even just from my bed with a cup of coffee and pjs if I choose is a huge benefit in my mind. With Australia happening in September, a few small U.S. trips later this year, and 2017 wide open, who knows what other adventures I’ll get myself into.

Have any of you felt some of these same feelings coming back to the U.S. after being abroad for a while? Leave a comment below and share!

Also, stay tuned for all the rest of my Europe stories and travel suggestions coming to the blog soon!

Although my kindle is great and of course very practical, I am still a sucker for a physical book- the cover, turning an actual page, plus they always make for nice decorations around the house. I have a collection of books sitting on my nightstand, some I’ve read all the way through and some are still in progress. From business inspiration to travel stories that make you want to take off around the world, below are my top 5 favorites!

Sophia Amoruso is nothing short of a total badass. This New York Times bestseller shares the inspiring story of how she went from hitchhiking to starting one of the fastest-growing retailers in the world.

I wish Kristin Newman and I could be besties in real life, or at least vacation together. I mean, we have the same first name so that’s a great start right? In this memoir Kristin shares her inspiring and hilarious jet setting tales from around the globe. Just be prepared to buy a few plane tickets after reading.

I first listened to this on audiobook during my long commutes to work back in the day. I loved it so much I bought the book years later and am steadily getting through my second read. The 4-Hour Workweek is a huge motivator and great resource to ditching the 9-5, living anywhere and joining the “New Rich”.

A classic of course! Live vicariously through one woman’s transformational life journey across Italy, India and Indonesia. I’ve read this book and watched the movie with Julia Roberts during good times and bad times in my life and it never disappoints.